Fischer Boel not seeking second term

Mariann Fischer Boel, the European commissioner for agriculture and rural development, announced at an informal meeting of agriculture ministers in Vaxsjö yesterday that she will not be Denmark’s candidate for the next European Commission.

She had earlier announced her decision to Danish Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen.

There has for several months been speculation that the 66-year-old Dane would continue in her current role for another five years, even though Fischer Boel had said in public since the spring that she was considering retiring to spend more time on her farm and with her family.

Fischer Boel’s retirement means that Denmark is likely to lose the important agriculture portfolio in the next Commission.

Several heavyweight ministers are, however, being touted to replace the popular Fischer Boel as Denmark’s commissioner.

Last week Per Stig Møller, Denmark’s foreign minister, told Ritzau, a news agency, that Connie Hedegaard, the country’s minister for climate change, would be a good choice as European commissioner for climate change if such a post were created.

Others being flagged up as possible contenders for Denmark’s European commissioner are: Eva Kjer Hansen, the food and agriculture minister and a former MEP; Ulla Tørnes, the development minister; and Bertel Haarder, the education minister, who is also a former vice-president of the European Parliament.

A final decision on who will become Denmark’s next European commissioner is likely to be taken in October by Løkke Rasmussen, representing the Liberal party, and Lene Espersen, the deputy prime minister and representative of a junior partner in the governing coalition, the Conservatives.